Obituary of Joseph Harlan, Albemarle County
Departed this life, on the fifteenth of June, at his residence in Albemarle. Mr. Joseph Harlan, in the ninety-sixth [should be ninth-first] year of his age, having been born in Chester County, Pennsylvania in the month of April 1760 [should be 1765.]
Mr. Harlan came to Virginia when young. He resided sometime in Fredericksburg at which place as we have heard him say, he saw Gen. George Washington; being sixteen years of age, at the time that independence was declared. He recollected the scenes of the revolution, and took much pleasure in speaking of them when very old. Of the deceased, we are sure, it has been truly said, he had not an enemy in the world, and though we were born and raised very near him, we never had a difficulty with him. Possessed of an amiable deposition, he lived in peace with all men; envying no one’s property, rejoicing at no one’s adversity. When about four score years of age, and healthy and strong, Mr. Harlan became concerned upon the subject of religion; and though much has been said about our heterodoxy, he was not detained from coming to us, and conversing with us upon the subject of religion, and asking us to baptise him. His mind, long before his death, was greatly weaken, and for years he did not attend public worship, but we are happy to be informed, that even when far gone in dotage, he lost not his reverence for the Almighty; and we rejoice to be informed, that when the time of his departure drew nigh, he seemed to be more rational than he had been for some time, and that he appeared to be, not only aware of the approach of death, but pleased at the thought of dying. We are thankful that it was in our power to attend his burial and with his numerous and attached neighbors pay our last tribute of respect to his earthly remains, and also express our sympathy with his son, Mr. James White Harlan, and his family, who have o long watched over him and so affectionately ministered to his wants.
His consort, whose father William Goolsby, lived to be more than one hundred years of age, is still enjoying bodily health at the age of nine-two years.
R.L.C.
The above is from the family records of Elizabeth Harlan Strickler, Louisville, Kentucky.
Will of Joseph Harlan, Albemarle County
Will Book: Page 370, 1839
I Joseph Harlan of the County of Albemarle do hereby make my last will and testament in manner and form following:
That is to say:
First – I devise that all my just debuts shall be paid.
Secondly – I give unto John E. Gilmore who married my daughter and unto each of his children by her the sum of One Dollar being all I intend for them to be paid them within Twelve months after my deceased.
Thirdly – The balance of Estate both real and personal of every kind and description whatsoever I give to my beloved wife Tabitha Harlan for and during the time of her natural life and at her death to my son James White Harlan, his Heirs and assigns forever in absolute fee simple.
Lastly – I do hereby constitue and appoint my son James W. Harlan and my friend John H. Coleman, Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking and annulling all former wills and testaments made by me. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed by seal this 25 day of April 1839.
Joseph Harlan
Signed, Sealed published and declared as and for the last will and testament of the above named Joseph Harlan in the presence of us.
Peter White
Thos. Staples
John Tyler
At a court hold for Albemarle County 6th August 1855 – This instrument of writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Joseph Harlan deceased this day.